U.S. patent application number 09/778392 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for method and system for tissue repair using dual catheters.
Invention is credited to Adams, Leland R., Allen, William J., Bachman, Alan B., Chapolini, Robert, Karl, Frederick T., Reed, Scott, Schreck, Stefan G., Steckel, Robert R..
Application Number | 20020107531 09/778392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25113183 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020107531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schreck, Stefan G. ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
Method and system for tissue repair using dual catheters
Abstract
The present system is directed to a method and system to
stabilize and repair tissue. At least two opposing devices may be
used to stabilize and repair the tissue, with the two devices
cooperatively engaging the tissue interposed therebetween.
Stabilization may be accomplished by opposing force, vacuum force,
or mechanical devices disposed at the distal portion of one or both
devices. After the tissue has been stabilized, fasteners may be
deployed into the tissue. Fasteners include sutures, clips, and
staples. Also disclosed is a minimally invasive method of accessing
tissue located within a body and conducting a repair of the area
using the system disclosed herein.
Inventors: |
Schreck, Stefan G.; (Vista,
CA) ; Allen, William J.; (Stratford, CT) ;
Reed, Scott; (Monroe, CT) ; Bachman, Alan B.;
(New Haven, CT) ; Steckel, Robert R.; (Norwalk,
CT) ; Karl, Frederick T.; (Bethel, CT) ;
Adams, Leland R.; (Absonia, CT) ; Chapolini,
Robert; (Phoenix, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edwards Lifesciences LLC
Law Dept.
One Edwards Way
Irvine
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
25113183 |
Appl. No.: |
09/778392 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/0469 20130101;
A61B 2017/0641 20130101; A61B 2017/306 20130101; A61B 17/0482
20130101; A61B 2017/00783 20130101; A61B 2017/00243 20130101; A61B
17/064 20130101; A61B 17/122 20130101; A61B 17/068 20130101; A61B
2017/06057 20130101; A61B 17/1227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/142 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for performing a surgical procedure within a blood
vessel, comprising: at least one guidewire, said guidewire inserted
into a body vessel; and an antegrade probe having a distal portion,
said antegrade probe comprising at least one antegrade guidewire
lumen, said antegrade guidewire lumen terminating in at least one
guidewire port, said at least one guidewire port positioned
radially about said antegrade distal portion substantially parallel
to the longitudinal axis of said antegrade probe; a retrograde
probe having a distal portion, said retrograde probe comprising at
least one retrograde guidewire lumen, said retrograde guidewire
lumen terminating in at least one guidewire port, said at least one
retrograde guidewire port positioned radially about said retrograde
distal portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
said retrograde probe and co-aligned with said antegrade probe; and
at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe
further comprising at least one lumen.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said antegrade probe and said
retrograde probe are placed over said guidewire so that said
guidewire resides within said at least one antegrade guidewire port
and said at least one retrograde guidewire port and wherein said at
least one retrograde guidewire port is co-aligned with said at
least one antegrade guidewire port.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second guidewire and
wherein said antegrade probe comprises a first antegrade guidewire
lumen terminating in a first antegrade guidewire port and a second
antegrade guidewire lumen terminating in a second antegrade
guidewire port and said retrograde probe comprises a first
retrograde guidewire lumen terminating in a first retrograde
guidewire port and a second retrograde guidewire lumen terminating
in a second retrograde guidewire port.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said first guidewire resides
within said first antegrade guidewire lumen and said first
retrograde guidewire lumen and said second guidewire resides in
said second antegrade guidewire lumen and said second retrograde
guidewire lumen to align said distal portion of said antegrade
probe with said distal portion of said retrograde probe.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said antegrade probe and said
retrograde probe are each engageable with one of the two pieces of
tissue, to stabilize the tissue pieces.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said antegrade probe and
retrograde probe are mutually engageable with the two pieces of
tissue to stabilize the tissue pieces interposed therebetween.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one lumen comprises
a vacuum lumen.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said at least one vacuum lumen
terminates in at least one vacuum port at said distal portion of
said antegrade probe, thereby enabling the grasping and
manipulation of tissue.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein said at least one vacuum lumen
terminates in at least one vacuum port at said distal portion of
said retrograde probe, thereby enabling the grasping and
manipulation of tissue.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said distal
portion of at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde
probe is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of
said antegrade or retrograde probe.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said distal portion of at least
one said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe is tapered.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one tissue
fastener at the distal end of either said retrograde probe or said
antegrade probe.
13. The tissue fastener of claim 12, wherein said tissue fastener
is a suture-based tissue fastener.
14. The tissue fastener of claim 12, wherein said tissue fastener
is a clip.
15. The tissue fastener of claim 12, wherein said tissue fastener
is a staple.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the other one of said antegrade
probe and retrograde probe further includes a tissue fastener
receiver, said receiver providing cooperative stabilization of
tissue while affixing said tissue fastener.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one lumen
comprises a tissue fastening lumen.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising at least one tissue
fastener at the distal end of either said retrograde probe or said
antegrade probe.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein said tissue fastener is a
needle and suture.
20. A system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said antegrade
probe distal portion and said retrograde probe distal portion
disposes at least one deployable alignment mechanism.
21. A deployable alignment mechanism of claim 20, comprising: at
least two alignment arms flexibly attached to the distal portion of
at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe; a
deployment conduit operably connected to said at least two
alignment arms; said deployment conduit attached to a deployment
actuator; said at least two alignment arms having a retracted
position wherein said arms are located proximal to the distal
portion of at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde
probe; said at least two alignment arms having a deployed position
wherein said arms are extended radially from said distal portion of
at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe; and
said retracted and deployed positions achieved through manipulation
of said deployment actuator.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein said at least one lumen
comprises an alignment mechanism deployment lumen.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said antegrade
probe and retrograde probe have sufficient length, steerability and
maneuverability to reach the tissue from a peripheral insertion
site.
24. The peripheral insertion site of claim 23, wherein the
peripheral insertion site is the femoral artery.
25. The peripheral insertion site of claim 23, wherein the
peripheral insertion site is the brachial artery.
26. The system of claim 1, further comprising a steering mechanism
located proximate to said distal portion of at least one of said
antegrade probe and said retrograde probe.
27. The steering mechanism of claim 26, further comprising a
steering conduit attached to said distal portion of at least one of
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe, said steering
conduit in communication with an operator through one of said at
least one antegrade lumen and said at least one retrograde
lumen.
28. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
echogenic member at or near the distal portion of one of said
antegrade probe and said retrograde probe to enhance echo
visualization.
29. The system of claim 1, further comprising a polymer coating
which can be wholly or selectively applied at or near the distal
portion of one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe to
enhance echo visualization.
30. A system for repairing tissue, comprising: at least one
guidewire, said guidewire inserted into a body vessel; and an
antegrade probe having a distal portion, said antegrade probe
comprising at least one antegrade guidewire lumen, said antegrade
guidewire lumen terminating in at least one guidewire port, said at
least one guidewire port positioned radially about said antegrade
distal portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
said antegrade probe; a retrograde probe having a distal portion,
said retrograde probe comprising at least one retrograde guidewire
lumen, said retrograde guidewire lumen terminating in at least one
guidewire port, said at least one retrograde guidewire port
positioned radially about said retrograde distal portion
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said retrograde
probe and co-aligned with said antegrade probe; and at least one of
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe further comprising
at least one vacuum lumen.
31. A system for repairing tissue, comprising: at least one
guidewire, said guidewire inserted into a body vessel; and an
antegrade probe having a distal portion, said antegrade probe
comprising at least one antegrade guidewire lumen, said antegrade
guidewire lumen terminating in at least one guidewire port, said at
least one guidewire port positioned radially about said antegrade
distal portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
said antegrade probe; a retrograde probe having a distal portion,
said retrograde probe comprising at least one retrograde guidewire
lumen, said retrograde guidewire lumen terminating in at least one
guidewire port, said at least one retrograde guidewire port
positioned radially about said retrograde distal portion
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said retrograde
probe and co-aligned with said antegrade probe; at least one of
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe further comprising
at least one vacuum lumen; and at least one tissue fastener at the
distal end of either said retrograde probe or said antegrade
probe.
32. The tissue fastener of claim 31, wherein said tissue fastener
is a suture-based tissue fastener.
33. The tissue fastener of claim 31, wherein said tissue fastener
is a clip.
34. The tissue fastener of claim 31, wherein said tissue fastener
is a staple.
35. The system of claim 31, wherein the other one of said antegrade
probe and retrograde probe further includes a tissue fastener
receiver, said receiver providing cooperative stabilization of
tissue while affixing said tissue fastener.
36. A system for repairing tissue, comprising: at least one
guidewire, said guidewire inserted into a body vessel; and an
antegrade probe having a distal portion, said antegrade probe
comprising at least one antegrade guidewire lumen, said antegrade
guidewire lumen terminating in at least one guidewire port, said at
least one guidewire port positioned radially about said antegrade
distal portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
said antegrade probe; a retrograde probe having a distal portion,
said retrograde probe comprising at least one retrograde guidewire
lumen, said retrograde guidewire lumen terminating in at least one
guidewire port, said at least one retrograde guidewire port
positioned radially about said retrograde distal portion
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said retrograde
probe and co-aligned with said antegrade probe; at least one of
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe further comprising
at least one vacuum lumen; and a steering mechanism located
proximate to said distal portion of at least one of said antegrade
probe and said retrograde probe.
37. The steering mechanism of claim 36, further comprising a
steering conduit attached to said distal portion of at least one of
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe, said steering
conduit in communication with an operator through one of said at
least one antegrade lumen and said at least one retrograde
lumen.
38. A method of stabilizing tissue, comprising: delivering an
antegrade probe to a position antegrade to the tissue; delivering a
retrograde probe to a position retrograde to the tissue; aligning
said first probe and said second probe longitudinally; using one or
more of said first and said second probes to stabilize the tissue;
and using one or more of said first and said second probes to
fasten the tissue.
39. The method of claim 38 wherein said antegrade probe and said
retrograde probe are used simultaneously to provide cooperative
support to the tissue interposed therebetween.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein all of the steps of the method
are completed without arresting the heart.
41. The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of:
delivering a guidewire through an entry point and passing said
guidewire through the venous system and the into the left atrium;
using said guidewire to pierce the atrial septum and bringing said
guidewire through the mitral valve to the right ventricle, exiting
the heart through the aortic valve and aorta, and exiting the body
through a exit point; advancing said antegrade probe over said
guidewire through the entry point and delivering said antegrade
probe antegrade to the mitral valve; and advancing said retrograde
probe over said guidewire through the exit point and delivering
said retrograde probe retrograde to the mitral valve.
42. The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of aligning
said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe to interact with and
to provide stabilizing support to the tissue.
43. The method of claim 38, further comprising manipulating at
least one of the leaflets of the mitral valve disposed proximate to
at least one of said antegrade probe and said retrograde probe.
44. The method of claim 38, wherein said tissue is mitral valve
leaflet tissue.
45. The method of claim 38, wherein one or more of said first and
said second probes utilizes a suture-based fastener to fasten the
tissue.
46. The method of claim 38, wherein one or more of said first and
said second probes utilizes a clip to fasten the tissue.
47. The method of claim 38, wherein one or more of said first and
said second probes utilizes a staple to fasten the tissue.
48. The method of claim 38, wherein at least one of said antegrade
probe and said retrograde probe is delivered through a femoral
artery.
49. The method of claim 38 wherein at least one of said antegrade
probe and said retrograde probe is delivered through a brachial
artery.
50. The method of claim 38, wherein the tissue comprises arterial
septal tissue.
51. The method of claim 38, wherein the tissue comprises
ventricular septal tissue.
52. The method of claim 38, wherein the tissue comprises a patent
foramen ovale.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the repair of tissue, and,
more particularly, to a method and apparatus for the repair of
tissue within the body of a patient by using a dual catheter system
to stabilize the tissue, and if required, fasten the tissue
portions together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In vertebrate animals, the heart is a hollow muscular organ
having four pumping chambers. The left and right atria and the left
and right ventricles, each provided with its own one-way outflow
valve. The natural heart valves are identified as the aortic,
mitral (or bicuspid), tricuspid and pulmonary valves. The valves
separate the chambers of the heart, and are each mounted in an
annulus therebetween. The annuluses comprise dense fibrous rings
attached either directly or indirectly to the atrial and
ventricular muscle fibers. The leaflets are flexible collagenous
structures that are attached to and extend inward from the
annuluses to meet at coapting edges. The aortic and tricuspid
valves have three leaflets, while the mitral and pulmonary valves
have two.
[0003] Various problems can develop with heart valves, for a number
of clinical reasons. Stenosis in heart valves is a condition in
which the valves do not open properly. Insufficiency is a condition
which a valve does not close properly. Repair or replacement of the
aortic or mitral valves are most common because they reside in the
left side of the heart where pressures and stresses are the
greatest. In a valve replacement operation, the damaged leaflets
are excised and the annulus sculpted to receive a replacement
prosthetic valve.
[0004] In many patients who suffer from valve dysfunction, surgical
repair (i.e., "valvuloplasty") is a desirable alternative to valve
replacement. Remodeling of the valve annulus (i.e., "annuloplasty")
is central to many reconstructive valvuloplasty procedures.
Remodeling of the valve annulus is typically accomplished by
implantation of a prosthetic ring (i.e. "annuloplasty ring") to
stabilize the annulus and to correct or prevent valvular
insufficiency that may result from a dysfunction of the valve
annulus. Annuloplasty rings are typically constructed of a
resilient core covered with a fabric sewing ring. Annuloplasty
procedures are performed not only to repair damaged or diseased
annuli, but also in conjunction with other procedures, such as
leaflet repair.
[0005] Mitral valve regurgitation is caused by dysfunction of the
mitral valve structure, or direct injury to the mitral valve
leaflets. A less than perfect understanding of the disease process
leading to mitral valve regurgitation complicates selection of the
appropriate repair technique. Though implantation of an
annuloplasty ring, typically around the posterior aspect of the
mitral valve, has proven successful in a number of cases, shaping
the surrounding annulus does not always lead to optimum coaptation
of the leaflets.
[0006] More recently, a technique known as a "bow-tie" repair has
been advocated. The bow-tie technique involves suturing the
anterior and posterior leaflets together in the middle, causing
blood to flow through the two side openings thus formed. This
technique was originally developed by Dr. Ottavio Alfieri, and
involved placing the patient on extracorporeal bypass in order to
access and suture the mitral valve leaflets.
[0007] A method for performing the bow-tie technique without the
need for bypass has been proposed by Dr. Mehmet Oz, of Columbia
University. The method and a device for performing the method are
disclosed in PCT publication WO 99/00059, dated Jan. 7, 1999. In
one embodiment, the device consists of a forceps-like grasper
device that can be passed through a sealed aperture in the apex of
the left ventricle. The two mitral valve leaflets meet and curve
into the left ventricular cavity at their mating edges, and are
thus easy to grasp from inside the ventricle. The mating leaflet
edges are grasped from the ventricular side and held together, and
various devices such as staples are utilized to fasten them
together. The teeth of the grasper device are linearly slidable
with respect to one another so as to align the mitral valve
leaflets prior to fastening. As the procedure is done on a beating
heart, and the pressures and motions within the left ventricle are
severe, the procedure is thus rendered fairly skill-intensive.
[0008] There is presently a need for an improved means for
performing the bow-tie technique of mitral valve repair, preferably
utilizing a minimally invasive technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a method and system for
approximating tissue using at least two catheters. More
particularly, the present invention discloses a method and system
of approximating a number of devices and methods for stabilizing
tissue and fastening or "approximating" a single portion or
discrete pieces of tissue through the use of at least two probes
directed to the area of interest by at least one guidewire. The
tissue of interest may be straight, curved, tubular, etc. For
example, many of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein
are especially useful for joining two leaflets of a heart valve.
The coapting edges of the leaflets thus constitute the "tissue
pieces." In other contexts, the invention can be used to repair
arterial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD),
and in cases involving patent foraman ovale. Additionally, the
present invention may be used during valve replacement surgery, to
deploy a plurality of valve repair devices. In sum, the present
invention in its broadest sense should not be construed to be
limited to any particular tissue pieces, although particular
examples may be shown and disclosed.
[0010] The present invention includes a number of
guidewire-directed devices and methods for both stabilizing the
tissue pieces to be joined, and fastening them together. Some
embodiments disclose only the stabilizing function, others only the
fastening function, and still other show combinations of
stabilizing and fastening devices. It should be understood that
certain of the stabilizing devices may be used with certain of the
fastening devices, even though they are not explicitly shown in
joint operation. In other words, based on the explanation of the
particular device, one of skill in the art should have little
trouble combining the features of certain of two such devices.
Therefore, it should be understood that many of the stabilizing and
fastening devices are interchangeable, and the invention covers all
permutations thereof.
[0011] Furthermore, many of the fastening devices disclosed herein
can be deployed separately from many of the stabilizing devices,
and the two can therefore be deployed in parallel.
[0012] The guidewire-directed stabilizing and fastening devices of
the present invention can be utilized, for example, in endoscopic
procedures, beating heart procedures, or percutaneous procedures.
In yet another embodiment the devices can be delivered into the
heart through the chest via a thorascope. The devices can also be
delivered percutaneously, via a catheter or catheters, into the
patient's arterial system (e.g. through the femoral or brachial
arteries). Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description.
[0013] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a elevational view of a step in a valve repair
procedure using the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1a is an elevational view of an embodiment of a vacuum
based probe of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1b is an elevational view of an embodiment of a vacuum
based probe of the present invention disposing including vanes;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an embodiment of a vacuum
based probe of the present invention having a tapered nose and
disposing vanes;
[0018] FIG. 2a is an sectional view of a step in a valve repair
procedure using the tissue stabilizer of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIGS. 3a-3c are perspective views of several embodiments of
vacuum-based tissue stabilizers having tissue separating walls;
[0020] FIGS. 3d and 3e are sectional views of two different vacuum
port configurations for the tissue stabilizers shown in FIGS.
3a-3c, the stabilizers shown in operation;
[0021] FIG. 4a is an elevational view of a first step in a valve
repair procedure using a mechanical tissue stabilizer with linearly
displaceable tissue clamps;
[0022] FIG. 4b is an elevational view of a second step in a valve
repair procedure using the tissue stabilizer of FIG. 4a;
[0023] FIG. 4c is a detailed perspective view of a clamp of the
tissue stabilizer of FIG. 4a extended to grasp a valve leaflet from
both sides;
[0024] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a suture-based tissue
fastener of the present invention having toggles;
[0025] FIG. 5b is a sectional view of the suture-based tissue
fastener of FIG. 5a loaded into a delivery needle;
[0026] FIGS. 6a-6c are elevational views of several steps in a
valve repair procedure using a tissue stabilizer of the present
invention and the suture-based tissue fastener shown in FIG.
5a.
[0027] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an alternative tissue
stabilizing and fastening device;
[0028] FIGS. 8a-8c are sectional views of a tissue stabilizing and
fastening device of the present invention having needles deployed
by the retrograde probe on the ventricular side of the tissue being
received by the antegrade probe;
[0029] FIG. 9a is a perspective of a further tissue fastening
device of the present invention comprising a staple-like tissue
fastener in an open configuration;
[0030] FIG. 9b is a perspective view of further tissue fastening
device of the present invention comprising a staple-like tissue
fastener in a closed configuration;
[0031] FIGS. 10a-10c are sectional views of several steps in a
valve repair procedure using an exemplary tissue fastening device
of the present invention for delivering the tissue staple of FIGS.
9a-9b;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a completed valve repair
procedure utilizing the tissue stabilizing and fastening device of
FIGS. 10a-10c;
[0033] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an alignment mechanism of
the present invention of the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 13a-13b are sectional views of a wire-based steering
mechanisms of the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 14a-14b are sectional view of the steering sleeve
based steering mechanism of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the steering balloon based
steering mechanism of the present invention; and
[0037] FIGS. 16a-16c are sectional views of several steps in a
tissue repair procedure using an exemplary sequential tissue repair
device of the present.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The method and system of the present invention is designed
for use in the surgical treatment of bodily tissue. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the exemplary
guidewire-directed dual catheter tissue repair system disclosed
herein is designed to minimize trauma to the patient before,
during, and subsequent to the surgical procedure, while providing
improved device placement and enhanced tissue stabilization.
Additionally, the guidewire-directed dual catheter tissue repair
system, by utilizing two separate and distinct probes that
cooperatively interact, may be adapted to precisely deliver and
deploy a plurality of tissue fasteners to an area of interest. For
example, the present system may be utilized to repair mitral valve
tissue by stabilizing the discrete tissue pieces and deploying a
fastening device thereby coapting the tissue pieces. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention may
similarly used to repair Arterial Septal Defects (ASD), Ventricular
Septal Defects (VSD), and defects associated with Patent Foramen
Ovale (PFO).
[0039] The present invention incorporates by reference many of the
device features and various tissue fastening devices disclosed the
applicant's pending U.S. application entitled "Minimally Invasive
Mitral Valve Repair Method And Apparatus", application Ser. No.
09/562406 filed May 1, 2000. Disclosed herein is a detailed
description of various illustrated embodiments of the invention.
This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is
made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles
of the invention. The section titles and overall organization of
the present detailed description are for the purpose of convenience
only and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0040] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present
invention permits the operator to position at least two
guidewire-directed probes within a body vessel and utilize the
cooperative effects of the two positions and deploy a plurality of
fastening devices to surrounding tissue. In the illustrated
embodiment, the two probes comprise an antegrade probe positioned
proximate to the superior or atrial portion of the mitral valve,
and a retrograde probe positioned proximate to the inferior or
ventricular portion of the mitral valve. It is anticipated as being
within the scope of the present invention to utilize the present
invention to perform a plurality of surgical procedures, and may
deliver and deploy a plurality of tissue fastening devices to an
intravascular area.
[0041] For example, the present device may be utilized to repair
defects in the arterial septum. At least two guidewire-directed
probes, one probe addressing the tissue from an antegrade position
and the other probe addressing the tissue from a retrograde
position, are used to stabilize the arterial septal tissue. Once
stabilized, a fastening device maybe deployed to repair the defect.
Similarly, the present invention maybe used to repair venticular
septal defects, or defects relating to patent foramen ovale.
[0042] A. Exemplary Procedure Description
[0043] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention being
utilized to repair a heart valve. More particularly, FIG. 1 shows a
guidewire-directed antegrade probe 10a and retrograde probe 10b
being used to stabilize and repair the tissue leaflets 14 and 16 of
the mitral valve.
[0044] A first guidewire 12a, capable of traversing the circulatory
system and entering the heart, is introduced into the femoral vein
of a patient (or, alternatively the right jugular vein) through an
endoluminal entry point. The first guidewire 12a is advanced
through the circulatory system eventually arriving at the heart.
Upon arriving a the heart, the first guidewire 12a enters the right
atrium of the heart. The first guidewire 12a is directed to
traverse the right atrium and puncture the atrial septum, thereby
entering the left atrium. The first guidewire 12a is progressed
through the mitral valve while the heart is in diastole thereby
entering into the left ventricle. Thereafter the first guide wire
12a is made to traverse through the aortic valve into the aorta and
is made to emerge at the left femoral artery through a endoluminal
exit point. This methodology is known to physicians skilled in
interventional cardiology. Once first guide wire 12a is positioned,
a second guide wire 12b similarly traverses the circulatory system
and is positioned proximal to first guide wire 12a using techniques
familiar to those skilled in the art. The endoluminal entry and
exit ports are dilated to permit entry of at least one probe. A
protective sheath may be advanced within the venous area to protect
the inner venular structure.
[0045] With guidewires 12a and 12b suitably anchored, the antegrade
probe 10a is attached to the guidewires 12a and 12b and advanced
through the dilated guide wire entry point to a point proximal to
the arterial cusp portion of the mitral valve. The distal portion
of antegrade probe 10a, having at least one vacuum port in
communication with at least one vacuum lumen contained within at
least one internal lumen of the probe, is positioned proximate the
tissue leaflets 14 and 16 of the mitral valve. Once positioned, the
antegrade probe 10a may use vacuum force to capture and grasp the
mitral tissue, grasp the tissue and deploy a fastening device,
grasp and manipulate the mitral tissue, or grasp and manipulate the
tissue to a desired positioned and deploy a fastening device. The
manipulation or steering of the mitral tissue is accomplished by
positioning the at least one vacuum port proximate the mitral
tissue and activating the vacuum source. The mitral tissue will be
forcibly retained by the vacuum force, thereby permitting the
operator to steer or position tissue.
[0046] A retrograde probe 10b is attached to at least one guidewire
and introduced into the body through dilated guidewire exit point.
The flexible retrograde probe 10b is advanced through the body
vessel, entering the heart through the aortic valve and progressing
into the left ventricle. The distal portion of retrograde probe 10b
is proximal the ventricular portion of the of the mitral valve. The
retrograde probe 10b may include a distal portion having at least
one vacuum port connected to at least vacuum lumen contained within
at least one internal lumen, thereby permitting retrograde
stabilization of tissue.
[0047] With the antegrade probe and retrograde probe suitably
positioned, the external vacuum source connected to the antegrade
probe, retrograde probe, or both, is activated, thereby permitting
mechanical capture of the tissue. Upon successful tissue capture, a
detachable fastening device mechanically retained either by
antegrade probe 10a or retrograde probe 10b, or both, is forcibly
deployed piercing the valve tissue and thereby mechanically joining
the cusps of the mitral valve. These fastening devices may include
self-closing fasteners, spring loaded fasteners, pre-formed
fasteners, latching fasteners, and rotatably deployed
fasteners.
[0048] To complete the procedure, the external vacuum source is
deactivated, resulting in tissue release. The two probes are
retracted through their individual entry points, and the two
guidewires are removed. Finally, the endoluminary entry point and
exit point are sutured.
[0049] B. Exemplary Guidewire Devices
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a guidewire-directed dual catheter tissue
stabilizer system comprising an antegrade probe 10a and a
retrograde probe 10b of the present invention that is used to
stabilize two tissue pieces 14 and 16, respectively. The guidewires
12a and 12b may be formed of a single filament or a multi-filament
wound system, and may be comprised of materials known to those
skilled in the art of minimally invasive surgery, including,
without limitation, a Nickel-Titanium (Ni Ti) compound, stainless
steel #304, 304V, 312, and 316, or other suitable material.
Likewise, the guidewires may be coated with a
biologically-compatible lubricant or with a biologically-compatible
sealant such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The guidewires
should have sufficient structural flexibility and steerability to
permit intraluminal positioning, while retaining sufficient
structural integrity to position tissue stabilizers. Additionally,
the guidewires may have a substantially circular profile, or,
alternatively, may be shaped to provide a degree of axial control.
For example, a wire incorporating a substantially octagonal profile
would provide sufficient axial force to permit axial movement of
the catheters along an axial arc.
[0051] During a procedure, a guidewire 12a may be introduced to a
body vessel in a plurality of manners, including, for example and
without limitation, percutaneously, transapically, transatrially,
or through a surgical incision proximate the area of interest.
Guidewire 12a is then positioned proximate to or traversing the
area of interest. Once positioned and sufficiently anchored, a
second guidewire 12b may be similarly introduced to traverse the
pathway established by guidewire 12a, and likewise positioned
within the mitral valve and suitably anchored. It should be
understood that the present invention contemplates without
limitation either a single guidewire or multiple guidewire
approach. These guidewire or guidewires will direct and precisely
position probes 10a and 10b proximate the area of interest. Upon
completion of the procedure, the probes 10a and 10b and the
guidewire (not shown) or guidewires 12a and 12b are removed from
the body vessel.
[0052] C. Exemplary Tissue Stabilizing Devices
[0053] It should be understood that the antegrade and the
retrograde probe disclosed herein cooperatively interact to provide
stabilizing force to the tissue interposed therebetween. For
example, the cooperative interaction may consist of the application
of force to opposing surfaces of tissue interposed between the
probes, vacuum force applied by either or both probes, and
mechanical retaining devices, as detailed below, disposed on either
or both probes. It is understood that both probes utilize at least
one guidewire slidably attached to the distal portion of each probe
to precisely position and align the probes. Furthermore, it is
understood that the antegrade probe or the retrograde probe, or
both, may apply the retentive force to stabilize tissue.
Additionally, tissue fastening device may be disposed about the
proximal portion of the antegrade probe or the retrograde probe, or
both, to approximate two pieces of tissue disposed between the
opposing probes. A deployable alignment mechanism may be disposed
about the distal portion of the antegrade probe or retrograde
probe, or both, thereby ensuring a precise positioning of either or
both probes with relation to the tissue.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows two probes 10a and 10b of the present invention
that uses a vacuum to stabilize two tissue pieces 14 and 16,
respectively. In this case, the procedure being conducted is a
repair of a heart valve using an arterial probe 10a and a
ventricular probe 10b. The at least two probes 10a and 10b may
share common elements and will be generically described as probe
10.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1a, the probe 10 comprises a cylindrical
probe body 18 with at least one internal lumen (not shown) and
having a flat distal portion 20 disposing at least two guidewire
ports, 22a and 22b, and at least two vacuum ports 24a and 24b. It
should be noted that the illustrated embodiment utilizes two
guidewires, though the system may be operated using a single
guidewire. The at least two guidewire ports, 22a and 22b, which are
connected to at least two guidewire lumens (not shown), are
disposed radially about the distal portion 20 of the probe 10, and
are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one
internal lumen (not shown). The at least two vacuum ports 24a and
24b, are in communication with an external vacuum source through
the at least one internal lumen (not shown). The size of the ports,
namely 24a and 24b, and magnitude of suction applied may be vary
depending on the application. The spacing between the ports 24a and
24b should be sufficiently spaced so as to create independent
suction regions. In this manner, one leaflet or the other may be
stabilized with one of the ports, e.g. 24a, without unduly
influencing the other port, e.g. 24b. In one example, the ports 24a
and 24b have a minimum diameter of about 1/8 inch, and are spaced
apart with a wall of at least 0.020 inches therebetween.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1b, the distal portion 20 may dispose a
series of vanes, 25a and 25b, positioned proximate the vacuum ports
24a and 24b. The vane series, 25a and 25b, respectively, may be
recessed from the distal portion 20, thereby forming a tissue
supporting structure when vacuum force is applied to pliable
tissue. Preferably, the vanes 25a and 25b are recessed
approximately 0.002 to 0.01 inches from the distal portion 20.
[0057] The probe 10 desirably has a size suitable for minimally
invasive surgery. In one embodiment probe 10 is part of a catheter
based percutaneous delivery system. In that case probe 10 is a
catheter tube having one or more lumens connecting vacuum ports 29a
and 29b to the vacuum source or sources. The catheter would be long
enough and have sufficient steerability and maneuverability to
reach the heart valve from a peripheral insertion site, such as the
femoral or brachial artery. One particular advantage of the present
invention is the ability to perform valve repair surgery on a
beating heart.
[0058] FIG. 2 is illustrates an additional embodiment of the
present invention utilizing a tapered distal portion of the probe.
The probe distal portion 32 also includes a series of recessed
vanes 34 connected to at least one internal lumen (not shown) to
stabilize tissue. An additional port 36 may be used to deploy or
receive a plurality of fastening devices.
[0059] FIG. 2a shows an illustrative valve repair procedure using
the probe 32 of FIG. 2 approaching the tissue from the arterial
portion of the valve 30, while additionally stabilizing the tissue
with probe 10b from the ventricular portion of the valve. The
distal tip of the nose 36 is exposed to the ventricular 31 side of
the leaflets 14 and 16. Because of this exposure, various leaflet
fastening devices can be delivered through the probe 34 to the
ventricular side of the leaflets 14 and 16, as will be detailed
below. Likewise, a tissue fastening device may be deployed by probe
10b through the leaflets, 14 and 16, to the probe 34 positioned
proximal to the arterial portion of the mitral valve. Interference
with the stabilization process by guidewire 12 is negligible. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate either the antegrade probe, the
retrograde probe, or both, may utilize the tapered nose design
detailed herein.
[0060] FIGS. 3a-3c show three vacuum-based tissue stabilizing
probes having tissue separating walls. In FIG. 3a, a tissue
stabilizer 40 includes at least two guidewire ports 41a and 41b
radially about the distal portion of the probe, having a flat
distal face 42 having a pair of distally-directed tissue separating
walls 44a and 44b extending therefrom, and defining a gap 46
therebetween. The stabilizer 40 contains one or more lumens in
communication with vacuum ports 48a and 48b, that open on both
sides of the walls 44a and 44b. In addition, a fastener channel 50
opens at the distal face 42 between the walls 44a and 44b, and
facing the gap 46 therebetween. The fastener channel 50 can be used
to deliver tissue fasteners, as described below.
[0061] In FIG. 3b, a tissue stabilizer 52 includes a flat distal
face 54 disposing at least two guidewire ports 55a and 55b, and
having a single distally-directed tissue separating wall 56
extending therefrom. The stabilizer 52 contains one or more lumens
in communication with circular vacuum ports 58a and 58b that open
on both sides of the wall 56.
[0062] In FIG. 3c, a tissue stabilizer 60 includes a flat distal
face 62, disposing at least two guidewire ports 63a and 63b
radially position about distal face 62, and having a single
distally-directed tissue separating wall 64 extending therefrom.
The stabilizer 60 contains one or more lumens in communication with
semi-circular vacuum ports 66a (not shown) and 66b that open on
both sides of the wall 64. There are two such ports 66a (not shown)
and 66b, one on each side of each wall 64.
[0063] FIGS. 3d and 3e show two different vacuum port
configurations for the tissue stabilizers 40, 52, or 60 shown in
FIGS. 3a-3c. As mentioned above, the stabilizers 40, 52, or 60 may
have one or more lumens in communication with one or more ports. In
FIG. 3d, two lumens 68a and 68b provide separate suction control to
the associated ports. Thus, one tissue piece 70a is seen stabilized
by the right-hand vacuum port, while the left-hand port is not
operated. Alternatively, a single lumen 72 in communication with
two vacuum ports is seen in FIG. 3e, and both tissue pieces 70a,
70b are stabilized simultaneously. In both these views, the tissue
separating wall 74 is shown between the tissue pieces to be joined.
Fastening devices can thus be delivered via the wall 74, or through
a gap formed for that purpose, such as the gap 46 and fastener
channel 50 seen in FIG. 3a.
[0064] FIGS. 4a-4c show a mechanical tissue stabilizer 80 with a
four-part, linearly displaceable tissue clamp 82, disposing at
least two guidewire ports 81a and 81b (not shown), respectively,
positioned radially about the distal portion of the stabilizer 80.
On each side, a lower clamp 84 is separated from an upper clamp 86
and inserted between two tissue pieces (in this case valve leaflets
14 and 16). As the lower and upper clamps 84, 86 are brought
together, as seen in FIG. 4b, they physically clamp and stabilize
the leaflet 16. Small teeth 88 on the clamps 84 and 86 may be
provided for traction. The clamps 84 and 86 on each side are
individually actuated to enable grasping of one leaflet at a time.
Once the tissue has been suitably captured by antegrade probe 80 an
retrograde probe (not shown) is utilized to deploy a fastening
device to the captured tissue.
[0065] As stated above, the dual catheter system disclosed herein
contemplates utilizing the probes disclosed above in a cooperative
manner. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various
arterial probes may be used with various ventricular probes,
thereby providing a dual catheter system capable of customization
dependant on need. For example, an arterial probe having a tapered
nose may be used with a ventricular probe having a flat distal
portion. Alternatively, an arterial probe having a flat distal
portion may be utilized with a ventricular probe having a tapered
nose. As those skilled in the art will appreciate the system may be
easily tailored accordingly.
[0066] D. Exemplary Tissue Fasteners
[0067] As stated in the previous sections, the present invention
contemplates using at least one guide wire to direct and position
at least two co-operatively functioning probes to an area of
interest. In a preferred embodiment, at least two probes, each
disposing at least two guidewire ports proximate to the distal
portion thereof, would be directed to an area of interest by at
least two guidewires. It should be understood that the present
invention discloses using at least two guidewire-directed probes
simultaneously to perform a surgical therapeutic procedure. The
following sections disclose exemplary tissue fasteners capable of
deployment with the guidewire-directed dual catheter system of the
present invention. The figures associated with the following
sections are intended to illustrate novel fastening systems. As
such, only one catheter may be illustrated, but a second catheter
is assumed. Likewise, the following systems employ at least one
guidewire and at least two guidewire ports disposed proximal the
distal portion of the probes. To permit clear illustration of the
novel fastening systems disclosed herein the guidewire or guidewire
and guidewire ports may not be illustrated in the following
figures, but should be assumed included.
[0068] 1. Exemplary Suture-Based Tissue Fasteners
[0069] FIG. 5a illustrates a suture-based tissue fastener 90 of the
present invention including toggles 92 secured to the end of suture
threads 94. FIG. 5b is a sectional view through a needle 96 used to
deliver the tissue fastener 90. Specifically, the toggle 92 and
suture thread 94 is seen loaded into the lumen of the needle 96,
and a pusher 98 is provided to urge the tissue fastener 90 from the
distal end thereof. The fastener 90 maybe deployed by the antegrade
probe, the retrograde probe, or both.
[0070] FIGS. 6a-6c depict several steps in a valve repair procedure
using the tissue fasteners 90 shown in FIG. 5a. A probe, such as
the probe 10 seen in FIG. 1 having vacuum ports for tissue
stabilization and guidewire ports positioned radially about the
distal portion of probe 10, provides lumens for two of the needles
96 of FIG. 5b. The lumens with the vacuum ports may receive the
needles 96 or additional lumens may be provided. The sharp ends of
the needles 96 pierce the leaflets, and the pushers 98 are
displaced (separately or in conjunction) to deploy the tissue
fasteners 90. After the needles 96 are retracted, the toggles 92
anchor the tissue fasteners 90 on the ventricular 31 side of the
leaflets. The suture threads 94 are then tied off on the atrial 30
side to secure the leaflets 14 and 16 together, as seen in FIG. 6c.
The retrograde probe used to stabilize the tissue is not shown to
permit clear illustration of the novel fastening device. As with
all system disclosed herein, simultaneous use of an antegrade probe
and retrograde probe is contemplated.
[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative tissue stabilizing and
fastening device 108 having a pointed nose with two concave faces
110 in which the vacuum ports are located. The device 108 functions
as described above, with a fastener deliver needle shown in phantom
having pierced the left leaflet 14. A retrograde probe (not shown)
may be adapted to receive the fastening device 108 as well as
stabilize the tissue.
[0072] FIGS. 8a-8c illustrate a tissue stabilizing and fastening
device 130a-b having needles 132 deployable on a blind side of the
tissue by the retrograde probe 130b. A common suture thread 134
connects the needles 132 and is used to secure the tissue pieces
714 and 16 together. Thus, as seen in the sequence of FIGS. 8a-8c,
the needles 132 are first advanced to a position proximate the
tissue pieces 14 and 16 and deployed outboard of the distal tip of
the retrograde probe 130b. Once positioned, the needles are
advanced through the tissue, as in FIG. 8a, to cause the needles
132 to pierce the tissue pieces 14 and 16. The two needles 132 are
then disengaged from the device 130b, and each other, as in FIG.
8b, and antegrade probe 130a captures the needles 132 from the
pieces 14 and 16, leaving the connected suture joining the two
pieces 14 and 16 (FIG. 8c). The suture 132 can then be tied off, or
otherwise secured on the upper side of the tissue pieces 14 and
16.
[0073] 2. Exemplary Staple and Clip-Type Fasteners
[0074] FIG. 9a shows an exemplary tissue staple 280 for joining two
tissue pieces in an open configuration. The staple 280 includes a
bridge portion 282 and four gripping arms 244, two on each side.
The gripping arms 284 are initially curled in a semi-circle upward
from the plane of the bridge portion 282 and terminate in sharp
points approximately in the plane of the bridge portion 282. FIG.
9b shows the staple 280 when closed, with the gripping arms 284
curled underneath the plane of the bridge portion 282 toward each
other.
[0075] FIGS. 10a-10c illustrate several steps in a valve repair
procedure using an exemplary tissue fastening device 290 for
delivering the tissue staple 280. As with the previous embodiments,
a retrograde probe (not shown) is utilized to stabilize the tissue
prior to and during deployment of the fastening device.
Additionally, the retrograde probe (not shown) may be used as an
anvil or stop-body to assist in closing the fastener. The device
290 includes a probe 292 with an internal lumen 294 within which a
pusher 296 is slidable, and having at least two guidewire ports
(not shown) positioned radially about the distal portion of probe.
A stop member 298 is also provided underneath the bridge portion
282 of the staple 280 to prevent displacement of the bridge portion
282 toward the leaflets 22. The probe is positioned proximate the
tissue under repair. After stabilizing the leaflets 22, the pusher
296 displaces downward which causes the staple 280 to undergo a
plastic deformation from the configuration of FIG. 10a to that of
FIG. 10b. The sharp points of the gripping arms 284 pass through
the leaflets 22 and anchor the staple 280 therein. Finally, the
stop member 298 is disengaged from under the bridge portion 282,
and the device 290 is retracted.
[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates the use of a tissue stabilizing and
fastening device 300 for deploying the staple 280 of FIG. 9. The
device 300 is quite similar to the device 290 of FIG. 10, with an
exemplary stabilizing means shown in the form of vacuum chamber(s)
302 on each side of the staple deployment mechanism.
[0077] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit, and the described
embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,
therefore, indicated by the claims and their equivalents rather
than by the foregoing description.
[0078] E. Exemplary Probe Alignment Devices
[0079] An additional embodiment of the present invention includes
alignment mechanisms which may be affixed to the probe to precisely
position a probe proximate within a body vessel. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate the use of an alignment device in addition
to the guidewire or guidewires disclosed above provides an
inherently redundant alignment scheme, thereby permitting a more
precise positioning of the probe relative to the area of
interest.
[0080] FIG. 12 shows an antegrade probe of the antegrade and
retrograde probe system of the present invention that uses a vacuum
to hold two tissue pieces 514 and 516, respectively. In this case,
the tissue pieces are heart valve leaflets, 514 and 516, and a
valve repair procedure using an arterial probe 512a and a
ventricular probe (not shown). Probes 512a and 512b will
hereinafter be generically described as probe 512. As shown in FIG.
12, the probe 512 comprises a cylindrical probe body 518 with at
least one internal lumen (not shown) and having a tapered distal
portion 520 disposing at least one guidewire port (not shown) and
at least one vacuum port. 524. At least one deployable alignment
mechanism 523 is positioned proximate the probe distal portion 520
and are in communication with the handpiece (not shown) by a
deployment conduit (not shown) positioned in at least one internal
lumen (not shown) contained within probe 512. Once the probe 512 is
positioned proximate to the tissue 514 and 516, respectively, the
deployable alignment mechanism 523 is deployed and interacts with
the surrounding tissue. The external vacuum source (not shown) is
then activated. The at least one vacuum port 524 stabilizes tissue
pieces 514 and 516. Upon completion of the procedure, deployable
tissue fasteners are retracted to facilitate removal of the probe
512. While FIG. 12 shows the deployable alignment mechanism
disposed on an antegrade probe, either the antegrade probe,
retrograde probe, or both, may include deployable alignment
devices.
[0081] F. Exemplary Steering Devices
[0082] The present invention discloses a guidewire-directed system
for repairing body tissue. Use of guidewire-directed flexible
antegrade and retrograde catheters permits positioning of the
devices proximal the tissue under repair. Locating the device
proximate tissue under repair may be facilitated by supplemental
steering mechanisms capable of permitting the probes to traverse
acute angles. Several embodiments detailing a plurality of steering
mechanisms are disclosed herein. The steering devices disclosed
herein permit positioning of the antegrade catheter, retrograde
catheter, or both, should supplemental steering mechanisms be
required.
[0083] 1. Steering Wire Approach
[0084] FIGS. 13a-13b show a mitral valve procedure being performed
with the present invention. Antegrade probe 530a is positioned
proximate the arterial portion of the mitral tissue 532a and 532b
by guidewires 534a and 534b. The retrograde probe 530b is
positioned proximate the ventricular portion of the mitral tissue
532a and 532b, and is similarly directed by guidewires 534a and
534b. Retrograde probe 530b further disposes a steering conduit 536
which is connected to probe 530b proximate the distal portion and
which is in communication with the operator via at least one
internal lumen (not shown) through a steering conduit port
positioned on probe 530b. The steering conduit 536 may be
manufactured from a plurality of materials including a
Nickel-Titanium (Ni Ti) compound, stainless steel #304, 304V, 312,
and 316, or other suitable material.
[0085] 2. Steering Sleeve Approach
[0086] FIGS. 14a-14b show a mitral valve procedure being performed
by the present invention. Antegrade probe (not shown) is positioned
proximate the arterial portion of the mitral tissue 542a and 542b
by guidewires (not shown). The retrograde probe 540b is positioned
proximate the ventricular portion of the mitral tissue 542a and
542b, and is similarly directed by the guidewires. Retrograde probe
540b further disposes a steering sleeve 546 containing an actuated
support 548 which is connected a steering sleeve conduit 550 which
is positioned within an internal lumen located probe 540b. The
probe 540b and steering sleeve conduit are positioned proximate the
tissue under repair. Once positioned probe 540 is advanced while
the steering sleeve conduit 546 is held stationary. Advancement of
the probe 540 results in extension of the actuated support 548
thereby positioning probe 540b m more proximate the tissue under
repair.
[0087] 3. Steering Balloon Approach
[0088] FIG. 15 shows a mitral valve procedure being performed by
the present invention. Antegrade probe (not shown) is positioned
proximate the arterial portion of the mitral tissue 552a and 552b
by guidewires (not shown). The retrograde probe 554b is positioned
proximate the ventricular portion of the mitral tissue 552a and
552b, and is similarly directed by the guidewires. Retrograde probe
554b further disposes at least one biasing joint containing at
least one balloon which is connected to an inflation conduit (not
shown) positioned within an internal lumen located probe 554b. FIG.
15 shows a probe 554b disposing 3 biasing joints 556a, 556b, and
556c, each containing a steering balloon 558a, 558b, and 558c,
respectively. The probe 554b is positioned proximate the tissue
under repair. Once positioned, steering balloons 558a, 558b, and
558c are inflated thereby articulating the distal portion of the
probe 554b at an angle proximate the tissue.
[0089] G. Sequential Tissue Stabilization
[0090] The present invention may be adapted to sequentially
stabilize a portion of tissue and deploy a tissue fastening device
therein. As shown in FIG. 16a, a first antegrade probe 564a is
advanced along at least one guidewire 562 to a position proximate
the tissue to be repaired 566a and 566b. The first antegrade probe
564a comprises a vacuum port 568 in fluid communication with a
vacuum lumen 570 and a tissue fastening device 572 located within
the probe 564a. The tissue fastening device 572 may include
fastener deployment mechanisms and fasteners disclosed above. A
retrograde probe 564b, which is used to position and stabilize the
antegrade probe, is advanced along the at least one guidewire 562
to a position proximate the retrograde portion of the tissue. With
the probes 564a and 564b positioned, a single portion of tissue
566a is captured by the vacuum port 568 disposed on the first
antegrade probe 564a. A fastening device 572a is deployed through
the single portion of tissue 566a. The first antegrade probe 564a
disengages the tissue 566a and the retrograde probe 564b, and is
thereafter removed. FIG. 16b shows a second antegrade probe 564c
comprising a vacuum port 574 in fluid communication with a vacuum
lumen 576, and a tissue fastening device 572b located within the
probe 564c is advanced to a position proximate the tissue 566a and
566b. Like the first antegrade probe 564a, the second antegrade
probe 564c is adapted to engage the retrograde probe 564b, and
deploy a tissue fastener. Once the probes are positioned, the
vacuum port 574 disposed on the second retrograde probe 564c
captures tissue portion 566b. A tissue fastener 572b is deployed
into the tissue. The second antegrade probe 564c disengages the
tissue 566b, and the second antegrade probe 564c and retrode probe
564b are removed. As shown in FIG. 16c, the tissue fastening device
is joined, for example, by tying, thereby repairing the tissue.
Like the previous embodiments the probes 564a, 564b, and 564c may
include additional internal lumens.
[0091] In closing, it is noted that specific illustrative
embodiments of the invention have been disclosed hereinabove.
However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to these specific embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited to the precise embodiments described in detail hereinabove.
With respect to the claims, it is applicant's intention that the
claims not be interpreted in accordance with the sixth paragraph of
35 U.S.C. .sctn.112 unless the term "means" is used followed by a
functional statement. Further, with respect to the claims, it
should be understood that any of the claims described below can be
combined for the purposes of the invention.
* * * * *